176 THE STRAWBERRY GARDEN. 



the least profitable way, as a change in the crop is best for 

 the land." 



' ' Were you to use strawberries the next year, you would 

 get no return for your land? " 



" No. It produces nothing, while the plants are grow- 

 ing. To offset that, I get three crops the two next sea- 

 sons, two of berries, and one of turnips, or something 

 else." 



These, and many other matters, the children examined 

 with interest. To tell of all they saw and heard would 

 involve more time than we have at command. Their after 

 experience in the care of their own strawberry garden must 

 explain so much as concerns us. They spent several hours 

 with Mr. Harker, visiting his splendid great barn, on 

 another part of the estate, the pear orchard, and vegetable 

 gardens. Everywhere they went, neatness, order, and thrift 

 greeted them. The plants and trees were models of their 

 kind, and, as for weeds, they were not sure that they saw 

 even one. Like good children they went home early, and 

 reported to the assembled supper-table all of their doings 

 and hearings at Mr. Barker's, in the sleepy old town of 

 Mattapanset. [See Appendix A.] 



